JOHN GOULD'S AOTES FOB JOHN GILBERT. 293 



" You will, of course, collect every species of mammal in all the districts you 

 visit. Pray try to get a little mouse (somewhat larger than the common European 

 one) with a short blunt head, and which Jemmy caught for me from a hole in the 

 ground in the bush close to Mr. Coxen's garden gate at Yarrundi. There are six 

 or eight opossums in this district, four of which are only found in the brushes. Be 

 sure to get the large great brush opossum with short ear [6] found in the hollows of 

 the trees. 



" Be sure to get the opossums from Illawarra and, indeed, from every 

 district. Ascertain also if those of the plains are not distinct from those of the 

 brushes ; as I found to be the case at the Liverpool Plains. 



POPvT STEPHENS. 



" On the hills at the back of this place, and doubtless on the ranges at Moreton 

 Bay, the beautiful M. Parryii is found, and probably robustus and other species. . . . 

 Gain all possible information respecting the nidification of the Cuculidce. Ascertain, 

 if possible, what species lays the olive-brown eggs [7], by searching for the eggs in 

 the body. 



" Gain further information respecting the nidification and habits of 

 Centropus, whether more than one species — the changes they undergo, and if the 

 brown birds are the young, or if this style of colouring is sexual. 



" Make every enquiry about Pedionomiis ; it will most probably be found 

 on the open sterile plains of the interior of W. Australia. 



" Kangaroos from W. Australia. — Gain every possible information respecting 

 the group. Collect adult males and females, together with the young of every 

 species, and, if practicable, ascertain the weight of each and the difference of the 

 weight of the sexes. Procure also as many crania as po.ssible, labelling each with the 

 name of the species and the sex. Procure the wallaby from Garden and Rotnest 

 Islands. Dissect as many females as you can and learn if the young are found in 

 the uterus and pouch at the same time ; state the size of the young in the pouch. 

 Specimens and crania of Gilbertii [8] particularly wanted. 



" Attend to the seals. 



" For birds of Western Austraha see the list ; and of those marked with the 

 greatest number of x's send as many as can be collected. Fine examples of the nests, 

 and eggs of all ; and also duplicates of the eggs. 



■■ As many fish from every part not only of New Holland, but the Cape, St. 

 Jago, &c. 



" Shells, as many as possible ; see Mr. Cuming's directions. 



" Of plants, some ornamental shrubs and pieces of bark for drawings. 



" The beard of the Pinna from the Sound. 



" Send all the sponges and corallines possible. 



